The day after we arrived back in Reytor, they held the king's funeral in the catacombs under the castle. It was where all the royal family was buried. Christopher only allowed his wife, Alistor and I, and a few other guardians in for the ceremony. It wasn't a usual burial, but Chris was still in a fit of despair and rage over for what had happened to his father. Tomorrow he would be crowned king and there would be a week of celebration- a week long party. He was at least keeping that part of the beginning of his reign true to form.
As we were getting ready to leave, Chris asked for a private word with Alistor. I looked at him confused, but followed the rest of the small group up to the main level of the castle. What could that possibly be about? Chris didn't think Alistor had killed his father did he? No. Alistor would only ever be king if both the king and Chris were dead.
I waited for Alistor to come back up. I sat on the bottom step of the marble staircase looking down the abandoned hallway longingly. I was worried. Why? There was no way Chris would ever accuse Alistor of such a thing even in his grief and disbelief.
A few guardians passed me whispering to their friends, but I paid them little mind. My mind was elsewhere. As soon as I saw Alistor, I got up, I ran to him and wrapped my arms firmly around his waist. He smiled. Nothing was wrong.
"Was I gone that long?" He chuckled.
"What was that about?" I asked, ignoring his teasing.
"How does a walk in the gardens sound?"
I unwrapped myself from him and allowed him to walk me towards the gardens. What was going on? Once outside, we sat on a bench at entrance to the rose maze.
"Everything okay?" I asked.
He smiled. "Aye."
"Why were you gone so long?"
He twisted one hand in his ponytail nervously.
"Chris has asked me to be his champion," he whispered.
Each king had a champion. Octavian had been his father's. Chris wanted Alistor? A champion was a high honor. In jousts, he would be entered in the king's honor and would stay at court and be the king's adviser. It was the king's job to pick a worthy guardian who could advise the king rightfully. It was a great honor for Alistor, but I would have to find a new partner. I would rarely see him.
"What did you say?" I whispered.
"I told him I would think about it."
I felt a few tears trickle down my cheek. He wiped them away.
"Eve," he whispered.
I curled up against his side. "Aye?"
"He… he gave us permission to marry…"
I sat up. What?
"Of course he would. Alistor…"
"What?"
I rested my head in my hands. "Alistor…"
"Sorry," he whispered.
I could tell he was upset.
"I'm happy for you," I said, forcing a smile.
"You're not happy that we can get married?"
I sighed, leaning against him.
"I just… we worked so hard to be guardian's, Alistor. We've done so much good. I don't want to hang up my shield yet."
He looked away. What was he seriously expecting me to say? I loved him, but I wasn't ready to sit at home being known as Lady Eveline of Boarshead. I wasn't ready for the duties of bearing children or tending to his keep.
"Alistor…"
He got up. "I'll see you at dinner later."
I watched him leave with tears running down my face. I had really had messed up this time.